Tool system and method of operation of said tool system

ABSTRACT

Provided is a tool system for including a machine tool configured for machining by the removal of material an object defining a machining surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tool system and method of operation of said tool system of the type comprising a machine tool suitable for machining by the removal of material an object defining a machining surface, wherein the machine tool comprises a tool, driving means suitable to be placed directly in contact with the machining surface and to move the machine tool and, thus, the removal tool, with respect to the object while the removal tool removes material from the object, and a control unit for controlling the driving means.

In particular, the device which the present invention relates to is a system in which the movement of a machine tool during machining is directed by a computer which controls its movements and functions according to a clearly-defined work programme.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

As known, machine tools divide depending on the type of machining or tool into lathes, drills, sanders, milling machines, and usually include a piece-holder table which the object to be machined is connected to and a spindle which the tool for performing the work is joined to.

The operation of such machines requires that the operator puts the object on the piece-holder table, connects a tool to the spindle, performs the relative positioning of the spindle and tool, starts the spindle and, then, moves the object to be machined and/or the spindle along a straight guide.

The prior art described has several significant drawbacks.

A first disadvantage is that to make non-rectilinear shapes or profiles, the movement of the tool or workpiece is performed manually by the operator who must thus have high dexterity and experience.

Another drawback is the high risk of danger and, therefore, the fact that the operator may seriously injure him/herself.

This problem is further increased by the fact that the safety guard is often removed to improve the visibility of the cut or blade.

Another drawback is that the operator, to perform different types of machining, is forced to both buy several machines, increasing production costs and to move the object between the different machines, increasing processing times.

To solve the aforementioned problems CNC machines are increasingly used which identify a base station on which to perform different machining without moving the object to work on.

CNC machines have a protective casing that contains the various components and defines a machining chamber; an interface external to the casing by means of which to define the machining to be performed; a piece loading system designed to introduce and extract the object to be machined from the chamber; several spindles on which the machining tools are mounted; and tool changer systems.

The spindles are lastly fitted with a driving system which by translating or rotating the spindle in relation to the object permits the performance of a chosen machining.

These machines, although representing an improvement compared to the traditional machine tools described above, have some major drawbacks.

One important drawback is the limited size of an object worked with these machines since, having to be inserted in the machining chamber, they cannot have large dimensions.

Another drawback is that CNC machines have a highly complex construction and, therefore, a high purchase and maintenance cost.

Another drawback is the high energy consumption of such machines, which, together with the aforesaid high purchase and maintenance costs, make the pieces produced this way particularly expensive.

Another drawback is that the CNC machines require the operator to have an advanced knowledge of the machine and of the programming language and are thus complex to program and use.

The machine tool described in the patent application WO-A-2016051342 describes a device able to partially overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

In particular, the device is characterised in that it is small and is situated above the part being machined without limitations as regards the size of the part and without creating visual obstacles with reference to the machining path.

Such device makes it possible to follow a pre-set machining path or to set the machining parameters in real time so as to guide the device along the surface of the part subject to machining.

The aforementioned technique however has at least one further significant drawback.

The device described in the patent application WO-A-2016051342 allows a generic user to guide said device on the basis of “absolute” type indications and parameters.

The term absolute is understood to mean that any distance covered in terms of direction and intensity refers solely to a starting point or reference system coinciding with the point in which the device is first placed by the user for machining. There is however no reference with respect to the reference system defined by the part being machined and therefore it is not possible to operate the tool in relation to the support surface.

The lack of information relative to the surface of the part being machined thus makes it impossible to automatically determine the position of the device on the work surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this situation, the technical purpose of the present invention is to devise a tool system and method of operation of said tool system able to substantially overcome at least some of the drawbacks mentioned above.

Within the sphere of said technical purpose one important aim of the invention is to obtain a tool system having reduced purchase, maintenance and running costs. Another important aim of the invention is to make a machine system of reduced size.

A further purpose of the invention is to develop a tool system and method of operation of the same which can easily and safely perform any cutting profile on an object of any size.

In conclusion, another purpose of the invention is to make a tool system and method of operation of said tool system which makes it possible to move and localize said machine on the work surface.

The technical purpose and specified aims are achieved by a tool system comprising a machine tool suitable for machining by the removal of material an object defining a machining surface, wherein the machine tool comprises a tool, driving means suitable to be placed directly in contact with the machining surface while the tool works on the object, a control unit suitable to control the driving means, and wherein the system further comprises at least one localization apparatus comprising a support portion and a localization portion, wherein the support portion is suitable to be placed at a fixed point of said machining surface and the localization portion is connected to the machine tool by means of a cable suitable to allow the localization of the machine tool on the machining surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The characteristics and advantages of the invention are clearly evident from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a machine tool in a preferred configuration according to the invention in an axonometric view and during machining;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a machine tool in a preferred configuration according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the machine tool in a preferred configuration according to the invention;

FIG. 4a shows the detection apparatus in detail in a preferred configuration according to the invention;

FIG. 4b shows the detection apparatus in detail in an alternative preferred configuration according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is an example of a drawback solved by the pulley configuration according to the invention;

FIG. 6a shows a side view of the localization apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 6b shows an axonometric view of the localization apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 6 c shows a detail of the release element according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a view from above of the tool system according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a view from above of the system during the localization step according to the invention; and

FIG. 9a shows a side view in cross-section of the second device according to the invention;

FIG. 9a shows a side view in cross-section of an alternative second device according to the invention; and

FIG. 9a shows a side view in cross-section of the preferred configuration of the second device according to the invention;

FIG. 10a is a diagram from the front of the detection apparatus in a preferred configuration according to the invention; and

FIG. 10b is a diagram from above of the detection apparatus in a preferred configuration according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Herein, the measures, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when used with words like “about” or other similar terms such as “approximately” or “substantially”, are to be understood as except for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors and, above all, except for a slight divergence from the value, measure, shape or geometric reference which it is associated with. For example, said terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence of not more than 10% of said value.

In addition, where used terms such as “first”, “second”, “upper”, “lower”, “main” and “secondary” do not necessarily refer to an order, a priority relationship or relative position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish different components from each other.

The measurements and data presented herein are considered, unless otherwise indicated, as performed in International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533).

With reference to the Drawings, reference numeral 1 globally denotes the tool system according to the invention.

The tool system 1 thus preferably comprises a machine tool 1 a and at least one localization apparatus 1 b.

The machine tool 1 a is preferably suitable to be used to remove or add material from/to a machining surface 10 a, preferably substantially flat, of an object 10 to perform machining such as channels, holes, grooves and/or to cut said object or design shapes on said object or even colour parts thereof. In particular, the object 10 is a sheet, preferably of wood. The object 10 or workpiece thus has surface dimensions generally less than 100 m².

The object 10 may be in wood, paper, cardboard, fabric or metal.

The machine tool 1 a thus comprises at least one removal tool 2; driving means 3 suitable to be placed in direct contact with the surface 10 a and to move the removal tool 2 and the machine tool 1 a with respect to the object 10; a casing 4 to which the removal tool 2 and the means 3 are associated; and a power supply (a battery and/or cables to connect to an external network) suitable to power the components of the machine tool 1 a.

The removal tool 2 is thus a cutting and/or drilling tool suitable to remove material by melting, evaporation, or preferably, by means of chip removal. It can thus be a rotating, alternating or laser tool, waterjet or otherwise. It is preferably a small tool, namely a tool which removes material in a surface area less than dm², preferably than cm².

The object 10 is thus in direct contact and supports the driving means 3 during the machining and the exchange of forces during machining takes place directly between the object 10 and driving means 3.

It may include a stator part 21; a spindle 22, preferably an electric spindle, defining a working axis 22 a; and a tool 23 suitable to be connected to the spindle 22 so as to rotate around the work axis 22 a performing the removal of material.

The tool 23 may be a drill bit and, thus, the removal tool 2 may be a drill. Alternatively, the tool 23 may be a cutter and, thus, the removal tool 2 may be a milling machine.

The driving means 3 comprise drive wheels defining a main axis of rotation 3 a and the machine tool 1 a has a control unit 5 suitable to control at least the removal tool 2 and, thus the removal, and the drive wheel and, thus, the movement of the machine tool 1 a along a removal path 2 a along which the removal of material is performed.

It can be seen how, if fitted with a control unit, the machine tool 1 a is identifiable in a numerical control machine tool.

Furthermore, the control unit 5 does not provide for operators on board the machine tool 1 a, given that it is too small, since it machines an object 10, to accommodate an operator.

Preferably, the driving means 3 include a plurality of drive wheels and, more precisely, three drive wheels having main rotation axes 3 a mutually almost equally angularly spaced at approximately 120°.

Each drive wheel includes a base body 31, preferably virtually cylindrical, having an extension axis almost coinciding with the axis of rotation 3 a and suitable to rotate about the same axis 3 a; rolling elements 32 idly hinged to the side surface of the base body 31 so as to come between the body 31 and surface 10 a and, thus come into direct contact with said surface 10 a, a motor 33, specifically, electric, suitable to control the rotation of the base body 31 around the axis 3 a; and in some instances, an encoder suitable to monitor the motor 33.

The rolling elements 32 hinged to the base body 31 are placed along at least one circumference almost concentric with the axis of rotation 3 a and with idle axes of rotation lying on a substantially transverse plane and, in particular, virtually perpendicular, to the main axis of rotation 3 a. Preferably, the elements 32 are placed on a plurality of circumferences (specifically three) of equal radius, and, between adjacent circumferences, mutually angularly offset so as to always have a correct contact between rolling elements 32 and the machining surface 10 a.

The rolling elements 32 are rollers and, to be precise, tapered or barrel rollers. Preferably, the drive wheels 3 are so-called “omni wheels”, in themselves known. The casing 4 is suitable to support the various components of the machine tool 1 a. It comprises a base plate 41 suitable to be set proximal and parallel to the surface 10 a and to which the control unit 5 and driving means 3 are associated; a housing 42 associated to the base plate 41 defining a volume for housing at least the unit 5; and an attachment 43 suitable to connect the removal tool 2 to the casing 4 by placing the working axis 22 a suitably virtually perpendicular to the machining surface 10 a when the machine tool 1 a is working. In some cases, the casing 4 may have handles, protruding from the base plate 41 and/or from the housing 42 from the opposite side to the surface and suitable to allow an operator to operate manually.

The base plate 41 can have dimensions substantially less than 0.5 m and, to be precise, than 0.3 m, while the housing 42 may have a height, measured perpendicular to the base plate 41, substantially less than 0.3 m, to be precise, less than 0.2 m.

The attachment 43 comprises a vertical plate 431 suitable to be set virtually perpendicular to the surface 10 a, at least one coupling 432 suitable to connect the stator part 21 to the vertical plate 431 and a horizontal plate 433 suitable to be set almost parallel to the surface 10 a and on which the stator part 22 a rests and having a through hole 43 d at least equal to the cross-section of the spindle 22 so that it and the tool 24 protrude from the horizontal plate 433 facing the object 10. The coupling 432 is suitably of the clamp type and may provide two contrasting elements 432 a, for example substantially C-shaped, suitable to be placed on the opposite side with respect to the stator part 21 and a clamp 432 b, for example a bolt, by means of which to tighten the contrast elements 432 a to the stator part 21. In some cases, the machine tool 1 a may provide movers between the attachment 43 and the rest of the casing 4 suitable to move the attachment 43 and the removal tool 2 with respect to the rest of the casing 4 and thus to the machining surface 10 a.

The movers, not illustrated in the drawing, may provide for a vertical mover suitable to vary the distance of the removal tool 2 from the surface 10 a by means of a translation preferably substantially parallel to the work axis 22 a; and/or a rotational mover suitable to rotate the remover 2 around an axis substantially parallel to the machining surface 10 a and virtually perpendicular to the work axis 22 a by varying the angle between the working axis 22 a and surface 10 a.

The control unit 5 is suitable to control, independently of each other, the driving wheels 3 along the removal path 2 a.

It is also suitable to define the removal commanding the movers, and the removal tool 2 and, in particular, the spindle 22 as a function of the removal parameters.

The control unit 5 includes a control board connected to the removal tool 2 and to the driving wheels and provided with a memory and interface means, such as a USB port, by means of which the operator can enter and store in said memory the removal parameters and, in some cases, the path 2 a.

It is to be noted that in the memory there is a database associating with any type of advancement (straight, arched, elliptical, etc.), a speed and a direction of rotation for each driving wheel around its main axis of rotation 3 a.

The control unit 5 preferably consists of a microcomputer, for example an Arduino® or Raspberry® type microcomputer and may be suitable to be operatively connected and communicate via cable or other means with an external electronic calculator such as, for example, a common computer.

The machine tool 1 a further comprises at least one detection apparatus 6.

The detection apparatus 6 is preferably placed on the top of the machine tool 1 a. Moreover, the detection apparatus 6 is suitable to receive or release at least one detection cable 7. Such detection cable may be a polymeric or metallic cable 7 and preferably the detection cable 7 is made of steel.

The detection apparatus 6 is also electrically connected, for example, to the control unit 5 so that it can exchange information with it.

The apparatus 6 defines a first axis 6 a. The first axis 6 a is preferably an axis around which at least part of said apparatus 6 can rotate.

Consequently the detection apparatus 6 may comprise a shaft 6 b centred along the axis 6 a and suitable to movably connect some elements around it.

The shaft 6 b may, for example, be connected to the casing 4.

In particular the detection cable 7 is preferably suitable to rotate around the shaft 6 b or to be at least partially coiled around the shaft 6 b.

The apparatus 6 thus preferably comprises a first element 60, a second element 61 and a third element 62.

Preferably the first element 60 is a first portion movably connected to said casing 4, or more appropriately the shaft 6 b. The first element 60 may therefore comprise bearings suitable to permit a smooth rotation thereof around the shaft 6 b and, in particular, around the first axis 6 a. Said first element 60 is preferably a rotating component to which it is possible to connect at least part of a detection cable 7.

In detail the first element 60 is a ring, connectable around its perimeter, to the cable 7.

Preferably the first element 60 is suitable to allow the detection cable 7 to rotate around the shaft 6 b and, in particular, around the first axis 6 a.

In addition, the first element 60 rotates integrally with the rotation imposed by the cable 7.

Preferably, therefore, the cable is 7 detachably connected to the first element 60 in an integral manner. Such connection may be guaranteed, for example, by known releasable interlocks for example shown in FIG. 10 b.

The second element 61 preferably has the same features as the first element 60. Said second element 61 could even not be present in the detection apparatus 6 and the latter could be provided with the first and third elements 60, 62 only.

The second element 61, in fact, is therefore an additional element preferably detachably connected to a localization cable 7 a.

The localization cable is preferably of the same type as the detection cable 7.

For example, as a result, the second element 61 may also comprise bearings suitable to permit a smooth rotation thereof around the shaft 6 b and, in particular, around the first axis 6 a.

Preferably the first and second element 60, 61 are therefore moved respectively by the detection cable 7 cable and the localization cable 7 a.

Moreover the angle between the two cables 7 and 7 a can be measured by sensor means of a known type, able to record the angular deviation α between the elements 60, 61 and, in detail, the cables 7 and 7 a.

This information may then be supplied by the sensors to the control means 5. Consequently the possible sensor means are preferably operatively connected to the control means 5. Such connection can be ensured via standard cable connections or by wireless connections.

This type of sensor means may be an encoder or similar element. Preferably the third element 62 is at least partially connected to the first element 60 in such a way that it can detect the movements of said first element 60.

In particular the third element 62 is suitable to detect the orientation of the machine tool 1 a relative to the direction of the cable 7.

In detail, the third element 62 is suitable to detect the angle φ.

The angle φ is preferably the angle between a predetermined direction of the machine tool 1 a and the detection cable 7 connected to the first element 60. Preferably the third element 62 consists of a detector 62 a and a disc 62 b.

The disc 62 b is preferably suitable to be connected to the first element 60 in such a way as to rotate integrally therewith around the shaft 6 b and the first axis 6 a.

The detector 62 a is preferably a sensor, for example optical, suitable to detect the angle of rotation of the disc 62 b and consequently of the first element 60. Consequently the cable 7 connected to the first element 60, rotating integrally with the first element 60, defines a plurality of φ angles with respect to an angle α adjustable via the third element 62.

This fixed point is preferably defined, as mentioned, by a default direction of the machine tool 1 a such as, for example, that of advancement when the movers are actuated.

Preferably the third element 62 is substantially an encoder suitable to detect the positions of the disc 62 b in relation to the detector 62 a.

Consequently the third element 62 is preferably suitable to allow the control unit 5 to detect the orientation of the machine tool 1 a relative to the direction of the detection cable 7.

Alternatively the α angle can be measured through the presence of two sensors similar to the third element 62 and suitable to measure angles of both cables 7 and 7 a in relation to the fixed point on the device.

In an alternative configuration the first element 60 may be a portion connected to said casing 4, or more appropriately to the shaft 6 b.

Such first element 60 is therefore preferably a ring comprising a containment area in which at least part of the detection cable 7 can be housed.

In this configuration the first element 60 is suitable to allow the cable 7 to be coiled or released from the shaft 6 b and, in particular, describing circumferences centred along the first axis 6 a without being moved.

The second element 61 is preferably movably connected to said casing 4, or more appropriately to the shaft 6 b.

For example, the second element 61 may comprise bearings suitable to permit a smooth rotation thereof around the shaft 6 b and, in particular, around the first axis 6 a.

The second element 61 is also preferably a ring comprising a containment area in which at least part of the detection cable 7 can be housed.

Preferably the first and second element 60, 61 together define, in the alternative configuration, an area between them suitable to hold the cable 1 coiled around the shaft 6 b for example.

Preferably the second element 61 is suitable to allow the cable 7 to be coiled around the shaft 6 b and, in particular, describe circumferences centred along the first axis 6 a.

Unlike the first element 60, the second element 61 is preferably suitable to be moved integrally with the cable 7.

The second element 61 is therefore substantially suitable to be pulled by the cable 7.

As a result, the first and second element 60, 61 preferably define a transmission pulley of the cable 7.

The pulley is therefore composed of a mobile portion, the second element 61, and a fixed portion, the first element 60.

Preferably the third element 62 is at least partially connected to the second element 61 in such a way that it can detect the movements of said second element 61.

In particular the third element 62 is suitable to detect the orientation of the machine tool 1 a relative to the direction of the cable 7.

In addition, said third element 62 comprises at least one portion suitable to move integrally with the second element 61.

Preferably the third element 62 consists of a detector 62 a and a disc 62 b.

The disc 62 b is preferably suitable to be connected to the second element 61 in such a way as to rotate integrally therewith around the shaft 6 b and the first axis 6 a.

The detector 62 a is preferably a sensor, for example optical, suitable to detect the angle of rotation of the disc 62 b and consequently of the second element 61. Consequently the cable 7 rotating integrally with the second element defines a plurality of angles with respect to a fixed point adjustable via the third element 62. Preferably the third element 62 is substantially an encoder suitable to detect the positions of the disc 62 b in relation to the detector 62 a.

Consequently the third element 62 is preferably suitable to allow the control unit 5 to detect the orientation of the machine tool 1 a relative to the direction of the cable 7.

The tool system 1 further comprises, as said, at least one localization apparatus 1 b.

Such localization apparatus 1 b preferably comprises a support portion 9 and a localization portion 8.

The support portion 9 is, for example, the portion of the apparatus 1 b suitable to be rested on the top of the object 10 and, more appropriately, the machining surface 10 a.

Preferably the support portion 7 therefore comprises at least a base 90 and a pointing device 91.

The base 90 preferably defines at least one support surface 90 a compatible with the machining surface 10 a.

Consequently the support surface 90 a is, for example, a flat surface.

The base 90 may also be composed of different materials such as wood or metal or polymers.

Preferably the base 90 is made of polymethylmethacrylate so as to allow a user to view the support surface 90 a from outside.

The pointing device 91 preferably comprises an emitter 91 a suitable to mark one or more points on the support surface 10 a.

Consequently the emitter 91 a may comprise a laser device or a plurality of LEDs suitable to focus a light beam 90 b in one or more points of the support surface 90 a.

In particular the beam 90 b defines the positioning centre of the localization apparatus 1 b with respect to the object 10 and, consequently, the support surface 10 a.

However the pointing device 91 may consist of a simple target printed on the base 90 so as to allow a user to align the machining surface 10 a with the lines of the target.

The support portion 9 may also comprise a connection device 92. Such connection device 92 is preferably suitable to enable a detachable connection between the base 90 and the object 10.

Consequently the connection device 92 is for example a vice of the known type suitable to be opened or closed so as to stably attach the localization apparatus 1 b to the object 10.

The localization portion 8 is instead preferably connected or in one piece with the support portion 9.

Preferably the localization portion 8 defines a tower of a variable height suitable to receive or release at least a detection cable 7 or a localization cable 7 a.

Moreover, the localization portion 8 is preferably connected to the machine tool 1 a by means of the cable 7 or 7 a which is suitable to permit the localization of the machine tool 1 a on the machining surface 10 a.

The localization portion 8 further comprises a first device 80, a second device 81 and a third device 82.

Preferably said devices 80, 81, 82 are connected to a frame and are mutually connected by a detection cable 7.

The first device 80 is, for example, an element movably connected to the aforesaid frame and suitable to house at least part of a cable 7, 7 a.

In particular the first device 80 is suitable to receive or release a cable 7, 7 a in opposition to or pushed by an elastic element.

Preferably the first device 80 also comprises a sensor suitable to detect the amount of cable 7, 7 a released or received.

Consequently, preferably the first device 80 comprises a disc-shaped element defining a rotation axis and an elastic element suitable to oppose the movement around the axis of the disc-shaped element.

In this case, for example, the sensor previously mentioned may consist of a revolution counter associated to the disc-shaped element or, more appropriately, an encoder suitable to link the variation of the angle with the actual unwinding of the cable 7, 7 a.

The sensor may thus be suitable to be operatively connected and to communicate via cable or other means with an external computer.

The second device 81 preferably comprises a transmission device suitable to allow the passage of the cable 7, 7 a from the first device 80 to a third device 82. Preferably the second device 82 consists of a pulley suitable to rotate integrally with the cable 7, 7 a placed above it.

Preferably the cable 7, 7 a is placed above the second device 81 in such a way as to complete at least one revolution around it.

The third device 82 is preferably suitable to allow the release or the receipt of the cable 7, 7 a by the localization apparatus 1 b.

It may therefore consist of a hole suitable to allow the passage of the cable 7, 7 a or other equipment depending on the structural configuration of the localization apparatus 1 b.

For example, if the localization apparatus 1 b consists of a frame defining a closed box, the third device may be a hole with a second pulley.

Or, if the structure of the localization apparatus 1 b is substantially open, the third device 82 may consist of a simple through slot which allows the passage of the cable 7, 7 a with the correct orientation with respect to the first and second device 80, 81.

In particular the third device 82 is suitable to release or receive the cable 7, 7 a from a detection apparatus of a machine tool 1 a.

Consequently the machine tool 1 a and at least one localization apparatus 1 b are connected by a detection cable 7 and/or by a localization cable 7 a.

The localization portion 8 may, in addition, comprise a fourth device 83 and the cable 7, 7 a may comprise a plurality of markers 70.

The markers 70 are suitable to define local points spaced along the cable 7, 7 a. Said device 83 is preferably suitable to detect the markers 70 and to be operatively connected and communicate via cable or other means with an external computer.

Preferably the markers 70 define specific lengths of cable 7, 7 a and are, therefore, for example equi-distant.

Said markers 70 may consist of ink or other reflective coatings suitable to be detected by the device 83 which may therefore be an optical drive.

The optical drive may also be suitable to be operatively connected and to communicate via cable or other means with an external electronic calculator such as, for example, a computer.

Preferably the sensors of the first and fourth device 80, 83, just as the control unit 5, are connected to an electronic terminal suitable to process the data received from each of the elements.

Consequently, it is possible for example to compare the data related to the release or receipt of cable 7, 7 a by the first device 80 with the data recorded by the fourth device 83 so as to detect possible errors of measurement occurring during the movement of the machine tool 1 a.

The above errors may derive from the fact that the local tension on the cable 7, 7 a varies depending on the movements made by the machine tool 1 a.

For example, when the machine tool 1 a moves away from a localization apparatus 1 b it gives rise to inner tensions higher than when it is moving towards it.

This tension difference, due to the fact that when the cable 7, 7 a is coiled by the first device 80 it no longer works in opposition to the elastic element of the first device 80, can cause incorrect winding, visible for example in FIG. 5, leading to subsequent measurement errors.

To overcome this problem, preferably the second device 81 is made according to the configuration shown in FIG. 9 c.

The method of the tool system 1, described above in structural terms, is as follows.

In particular, when the localization apparatus 1 b is attached to the machining surface 10 a and the machine tool 1 a moves over it, it is possible to assess, via a computer connected to the machine tool 1 a and localization apparatus 1 b, the positions adopted by the machine tool 1 a on said machining surface 10 a.

An important aspect to consider when moving the machine tool 1 a is that, in the absence of localization apparatus 1 b, it is possible to evaluate the movement in the reference system of the machine tool 1 a, but no reference is given with respect to the object 10.

Supposing, for example, that the machine tool 1 a is placed over a rectangular machining surface 10 a it is possible to proceed to define the object reference system in the external computer.

To do this it is possible to follow different procedures which are partially described below.

For example it is possible to place a machine tool 1 a preferably equipped with a detection apparatus 6 in the preferred configuration, or two detection apparatuses in the alternative configuration, over the machining surface 10 a.

It is then possible to place two localization devices 1 b over the surface and at the vertices thereof using the base 90 and the pointing device 91 defined by the emitter 91 a.

It is also possible to connect the localization apparatus 1 b to the object 10 using the connection device 92.

After connecting the localization apparatuses 1 b, it is possible to connect, via the connection means present on the elements 60, 61, the cables 7 and 7 a coming respectively from two localization apparatuses 1 b to the machine tool 1 a. Alternatively it is possible to connect a single detection apparatus, 6, not comprising the second portion 61, and a localization apparatus 1 b.

If instead the detection apparatus 6 is in the alternative configuration, the machine tool 1 a preferably comprises two detection apparatuses 6 connected via two cables 7, 7 a, respectively to two separate localization apparatuses.

During this step the amount of cable 7, 7 a released by the first device 80 of each localization apparatus 1 b is recorded so as to identify the distances L1, L2 between the machine tool 1 a and the localization apparatuses 1 b.

Preferably L1 and L2 correspond, for example, to the distances defined by the respective extraction of the detection cable 7 and/or the localization cable 7 a from the respective localization apparatuses 1 b.

Thanks to the third element 62 present on each detection apparatus 6 it is possible to find out the orientation of the machine tool 1 a relative to the unwinding direction of the cable 7, 7 a.

In particular, preferably, in the preferred configuration the third element 62 makes it possible to define the angle φ defined by the direction of the machine tool 1 a in relation to the detection cable 7.

In the alternative configuration it is instead possible to directly find out the angle φ of orientation of the machine tool 1 a compared to the cables 7, 7 a connected to the detection apparatuses 6.

However it is still not effectively possible to find out the position of the machine tool 1 a relative to the reference system of the machining surface 10 a and, in particular, the localization apparatuses 1 b.

In order to record the position of the localization apparatuses 1 b, the machine tool 1 a follows pre-determined paths 2 a.

For example, the machine tool 1 a can be moved along a 1×1 square or a right-angled isosceles triangle.

Subsequent to this movement it is possible to detect the actual position of the vertices of the machining surface 10 a from the intersection points following the logical procedure shown in FIG. 8.

As shown, once the actual distance between the machine tool 1 a and localization apparatus 1 b is known, the position of an apparatus 1 b may be within the perimeter defined by the circumference whose radius corresponds to the distance between the machine 1 a and apparatus 1 b.

Once the circumferences obtained from the different positions adopted by the machine 1 a along the predetermined path 2 a have been intersected, it is possible to find the actual position of the apparatus 1 b and therefore the orientation of the machine 1 a in relation thereto by means of the detection apparatus 6.

Considering the data relative to the orientation of the cables 7, 7 a by means of additional sensors placed between the elements 60, 61, or by measuring the orientation of the cables 7, 7 a in relation to the two detection devices 6 of the alternative configuration in relation to the local reference system of the machine tool, it is possible to reconstruct the angle α between the two cables 7 and 7 a. Consequently, once known L1, L2 and α it is possible to use Carnot's theorem or the law of cosines to find the dimensional value L3 of the object 10 and, in the case in point, the side, or distance, between the localization apparatuses 1 b with reference to the machining surface 10 a.

From the data discovered it is then possible to determine the angle β between L3 and L1, and thus the actual coordinates a,b of the machine tool 1 a, relative to the reference system of the object 10.

The following are examples of calculation which can be made by means of an electronic computer, based on the reasoning just described:

${L\; 3} = \sqrt{{L\; 1^{2}} + {L\; 2^{2}} - {2L\; 1L\; 2\mspace{14mu} \cos \mspace{14mu} \alpha}}$ $\beta = {\sin^{- 1}\left( {\frac{L\; 2}{L\; 3}\sin \mspace{14mu} \alpha} \right)}$ a = L 1  cos   β b = L 1  sin   β

Once the position of the machine tool 1 a in relation to the two vertices of the machining surface 10 a has been found for example, it is possible to disconnect one of the two localization apparatuses 1 b from the machine tool 1 a, move said apparatus 1 b over another vertex and repeat the procedure previously described. It is thus possible to determine all the dimensions of the machining surface 10 a, in the case in which it is rectangular, and define the coordinates and relative positioning between the machine tool 1 a and the reference system relative to the object 10.

Alternatively to the above, the machine tool 1 a may contain a plurality of detection apparatuses 6 and, more appropriately, a number equal to the number of localization apparatuses 1 b used, even more than two.

In the case in which the machining surface 10 a is still rectangular it is thus possible to use three localization apparatuses 1 b and it is therefore no longer necessary to perform two steps, but it is possible to define the position of the machine tool 1 a in the same step and using the logic expressed above.

The object 10, in particular the machining surface 10 a, may be a shape other than rectangular used by way of example.

For example the machining surface 10 a may have different or irregular or curvilinear shapes in the plane and out of plane.

It is possible in such cases to use a different number of localization apparatuses 1 b and use different formulas and logics which take account of the possible geometry of the machining surface 10 a in use.

For example, it is possible to implement on the computer suitable to interpret the data from the localization apparatus/es 1 b and from the machine tool 1 a calculation methods that take into account the curvilinear coordinates or different and selectable geometries.

The invention therefore comprises a new method of operation of said tool system 1.

The process comprises a step of preparing the tool system 1; a localization step of the machine tool 1 a; and a removal step in which the driving means 3 move the machine tool 1 a along the removal path 2 a and in which the removal tool 2 removes material from the object 10 along the path 2 a.

The preparation step preferably comprises a positioning step in which the machine tool is laid on the machining surface 10 a and at least one localization apparatus 1 b is arranged along fixed points defined preferably along the perimeter of the object 10, and a connection step in which one or more cables 7, 7 a connect each localization apparatus 1 b and the machine tool 1 a.

In particular, as mentioned, the cable 7, 7 a is released for example thanks to the intervention of a user, from the first device 80 and is connected to the machine tool 1 a.

Preferably, therefore, the third device 82 of the localization apparatus 1 b is preferably placed at the same height as the detection apparatus 6 so that the cable 7, 7 a remains substantially within a plane parallel to the machining surface 10 a, for example if the machining surface 10 a is flat.

However, alternatively some parameters may be provided in the external computer such as to correct any misalignments and properly evaluate the distance between the machine tool 1 a and localization apparatus 1 b.

The definition of the path 2 a can be run on the external computer following the localization of the machine tool 1 a on the machining surface 10 a.

The machine tool 1 is thus ready to perform the subsequent step.

The localization step of the machine tool 1 a with respect to at least one localization apparatus 1 b then begins.

During the localization step preferably the machine tool 1 a performs a moving step in which it travels along a predetermined path 2 a defining the localization point of at least one localization apparatus 1 b.

Moreover, in the localization process a computer preferably performs a processing step in which it receives data relative to the position and distances of the localization apparatus 1 b and the machine tool 1 a.

In particular, in this step, the computer processes at least the data relative to the distance between the machine 1 a and at least one apparatus 1 b coming from the localization portion 8, more specifically from the first device 80, and the data relative to the orientation of the machine 1 a coming from the control unit 5, more specifically, from the detection apparatus 6.

Preferably the processor detects the data mentioned above in relation to at least two localization apparatuses connected to a machine tool 1 a so as to localize, as described above, the position and orientation of the machine tool relative to the reference system of the object 10, i.e. relative to the latter.

At the end of the localization step the removal step preferably begins in which the driving means 3 move the machine tool 1 along the removal path 2 a while virtually simultaneously the removal tool 2 removes material from the object 10 along the path 1 a performing the machining.

In detail, during the removal step, the unit 5, depending on the commands provided by a user through a computer, enables/disables the driving wheels varying the advancement of the machine tool 1 a in a manner concordant with the path 2 a.

For example, if the removal path 2 a provides for a straight portion virtually parallel to one of the main axes of rotation 3 a, the unit 5 controls the stopping of the wheel with its axis parallel to said direction and a concordant rotation and of the same modulus as the remaining wheels; while if the path provides for an arched portion, the control unit 5 commands a discordant rotation and of the same modulus of two wheels leaving the third immobile.

Once the removal step is completed, the machining process can end or, alternatively, provide for an additional material removal phase in which the driving means 3 move the machine tool 1 a at least one additional time along said material removal path 2 a and the removal tool 2 removes material from the object 10 again along the path 2 a increasing the thickness of the removed material and preferably, cutting the object 10.

It must be stressed lastly that, during the removal step or additional removal step, the movement of the machine tool 1 a can be performed manually by the operator thanks to the handles.

Simultaneously to the steps above a corrective step may be performed. At this stage the computer evaluates the difference between the quantity of cable 7, 7 a released by the first device 80 and the amount of cable 7, 7 a measured by the fourth device 83.

If the difference exceeds a threshold value, which can be preset or manually set, then the system 1 is reactivated by the computer so as to bridge the error.

In particular the control unit 5 can move the machine tool 1 a so as to place the cable 7, 7 a in tension.

The tool system and method of operation of said tool system 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages.

A first important advantage of the machine tool 1 with respect to those known up to now is to be identified in that it is able to perform a machining operation on any size of surface taking into account the geometry of said surface.

In fact the invention allows the measurement of the relative position between the machine tool 1 a and the object 10 being machined and can thus provide instructions to the machine tool in real time and with absolute precision with respect to the surface.

In addition, being positioned on the object 10 and able to move without restrictions along the entire machining surface 10 a, it is capable of working substantially unlimited surfaces. Such a possibility is denied in known machines where the machining stroke is limited by the stroke of the piece-holder table and/or the spindle.

Another advantage is the reduced overall dimensions of the tool system 1, which, therefore, constitutes an innovative small tool, portable and utilisable anywhere, to realize large-sized items.

A different advantage is that, in contrast to the known machine tools, the use of the tool system 1 is extremely safe.

In fact, even in case of manual movement, the arrangement of the tool 23 makes it possible to conceal and make access to the cutting area difficult.

Another advantage is that the tool system 1, following a removal path 2 a ordered by an external computer is able to perform a very precise and accurate machining. A further advantage is that, it being possible to perform multiple passages along exactly the same path 2 a, it is also possible to perform cutting operations.

An important advantage, especially with respect to the known machines with numerical control, is identifiable in that the tool system 1 is also usable by an operator with no specific knowledge.

Another advantage is given by the presence of the movers which, by translating and rotating the removal tool 2 with respect to the machining surface 10 a, make it possible to vary, even during the same passage, the depth of removal of material and the inclination of the slot with respect to the surface 10 a.

Another advantage of no less importance is the constructional simplicity of the tool system 1, making for a reduced purchase price and maintenance costs.

Variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims.

In said sphere all the details may be replaced with equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions may be as desired. 

1. A tool system, comprising: a machine tool configured for machining by the removal of material an object defining a machining surface, said machine tool comprising a tool, driving means configured to be placed directly in contact with said machining surface and to move said machine tool and, thus, said removal tool, with respect to said object while said removal tool removes material from said object, a control unit for controlling said driving means, and said tool system further comprising at least one localization apparatus comprising a support portion and a localization portion, said support portion configured to be placed at a fixed point of said machining surface, said localization portion being connected to said machine tool by means of at least one cable configured to allow the localization of said machine tool on said machining surface and, in particular, to evaluate at least the distance between machine tool and said localization portion and an angle, said distance corresponding to the measured length of said cable released by said localization apparatus, said machine tool comprising a detection apparatus configured to receive or release said cable, and said angle being measured by said detection apparatus between a predetermined direction of the machine tool and the direction defined by said cable.
 2. The tool system according to claim 1, comprising two localization apparatuses, said localization apparatuses and said machine tool being operatively connected to a computer.
 3. The tool system according to claim 1, wherein said detection apparatus defines a first axis and including a shaft centered along said axis and said cable configured to rotate about said shaft.
 4. tool system according to claim 1, wherein said machining tool comprises a first element movably connected to said shaft and configured to be moved integrally with said cable and defining said angle between a predetermined direction of said machine tool and said cable.
 5. tool system according to claim 1, wherein said machining tool comprises a second element movably connected to said shaft and configured to be moved integrally with said cable, said first and second elements defining an angular deviation when placed in reciprocal rotation.
 6. tool system according to claim 1, wherein said detection apparatus comprises a third element configured to detect said angle of orientation of said machine tool and comprising at least one portion configured to move integrally with at least one out of said first element and said second element and configured to detect the movements of at least one out of said first element and said second element.
 7. tool system according to claim 1, wherein said machining tool comprises a first element, a second element, said first element being connected to said shaft, said second element being movably connected to said shaft and configured to be moved integrally with said cable, said first and second elements defining a transmission pulley of said cable.
 8. tool system according to claim 1, wherein said detection apparatus comprises a third element configured to detect the orientation of said machine tool with respect to the direction of said cable, said third element comprising at least one portion configured to move jointly with said second element and configured to detect the movements of said second element.
 9. tool system according to claim 1, wherein said support portion comprises a base and a pointing device, said base defining a support surface compatible with said machining surface and said pointing device including at least one emitter configured to mark one or more points on said support surface.
 10. tool system according to claim 1, wherein said localization portion comprises a frame, a first device, a second device and a third device, said devices being connected to said frame and mutually connected to said cable, said first device configured to receive or release said cable in opposition to or pushed by an elastic element, said second device comprising a transmission device configured to allow the passage of said cable from said first to said third device and said third device configured to allow the release or receipt of said cable by said localization apparatus.
 11. tool system according to claim 1, wherein said localization portion comprises a fourth device and said cable comprises a plurality of markers configured to define local points spaced along said cable, said fourth device configured to detect said markers.
 12. A machine tool configured for machining by the removal of material an object defining a machining surface, said machine tool comprising a tool, driving means configured to be placed directly in contact with said machining surface and to move said machine tool and, thus, said removal tool, with respect to said object while said removal tool removes material from said object, a control unit for controlling said driving means, said machine tool being connected to a fixed point of said machining surface by means of at least one cable configured to allow the localization of said machine tool on said machining surface and, in particular, to evaluate at least the distance between machine tool and said fixed point and an angle, said distance corresponding to the measured length of said cable between said fixed point and the machine tool, wherein said machine tool comprises a detection apparatus configured to receive or release said cable, defining a first axis, comprising a shaft centered along said axis and a first element, said first element being movably connected to said shaft and configured to be moved integrally with said cable defining said angle between a predetermined direction of said machine tool and said cable.
 13. A localizing apparatus comprising a support portion and a localization portion, said support portion configured to be placed at a fixed point of a machining surface machined by a machine tool and comprising a base and a pointing device, said localization portion comprising a frame, a first device, a second device and a third device, wherein said base defines a support surface compatible with said machining surface and said pointing device including at least one emitter configured to mark one or more points on said support surface, and wherein said devices are connected to said frame and mutually connected to a cable fixed at one end to said machine tool, said first device configured to receive or release said cable in opposition to or pushed by an elastic element, said second device comprising a transmission device configured to allow the passage of said cable from said first to said third device and said third device configured to allow the release or receipt of said cable by said localization apparatus.
 14. A method of operation of a tool system comprising a machine tool and at least one localization apparatus, said machine tool configured to machine by the removal of material an object defining a machining surface, said machine tool comprising a tool for removing material from said object, driving means configured to be placed directly in contact with said machining surface and to move said machine tool and, thus, said tool with respect to said object while said tool works on said object, a control unit for controlling said driving means, and a detection apparatus configured to receive or release said cable and detect the orientation of said machine tool with respect to the direction of said cable; and said localization apparatus being connected to said machine tool by means of said cable and configured to allow the localization of said machine tool on said machining surface, said localization apparatus and said machine tool being operatively connected to a computer, and said method being comprising a preparation step of said tool system wherein said machine tool and said localization apparatus are placed on said machining surface, a localization step of said machine tool on said machining surface with respect to said at least one localization apparatus, and a material removal step in which said driving means move said machine tool and in which said removal tool removes material from said object along a path, the localization step comprising the measuring of at least the distance between machine tool and said localization portion and an angle, said distance corresponding to the measured length of said cable released by said localization apparatus, said machine tool comprising a detection apparatus configured to receive or release said cable, and said angle being measured by said detection apparatus between a predetermined direction of the machine tool and the direction defined by said cable.
 15. The method of operation of a tool system according claim 14, wherein said cable comprises a plurality of markers configured to define local points spaced along said cable, and said localization apparatus comprises a first device configured to receive or release said cable in opposition to or pushed by an elastic element and a fourth device configured to detect said markers, and said method comprising a corrective step in which the computer measures the difference between the quantity of said cable released by said first device and the amount of said cable measured by said fourth device. 